โš–๏ธ Disclaimer: These are estimated figures based on NBA scale of fees, court rules and stamp duty rates. Actual costs vary by state, complexity and lawyer. This tool is for budgeting purposes only โ€” always consult a licensed Nigerian lawyer for specific advice.
โš–๏ธ
Select Type of Legal Matter
Choose the legal service you need
๐Ÿ“‹
NBA Scale of Fees Reference
Nigerian Bar Association recommended minimum fees
ServiceNBA Minimum FeeNotes
Property Transaction (below โ‚ฆ5M) 5% of property value NBA recommended minimum
Property Transaction (โ‚ฆ5Mโ€“โ‚ฆ50M) 3โ€“5% of property value Negotiable above NBA minimum
Civil Litigation (Magistrate Court) โ‚ฆ200,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ500,000 Per matter, depending on complexity
Civil Litigation (High Court) โ‚ฆ500,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ5,000,000 Depending on claim value and complexity
Divorce (Uncontested) โ‚ฆ200,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ500,000 If both parties agree on all terms
Divorce (Contested) โ‚ฆ500,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ3,000,000 Longer process, higher fees
Contract Drafting (Simple) โ‚ฆ50,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ200,000 Employment, tenancy, service agreements
Contract Drafting (Complex) โ‚ฆ200,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ1,000,000 Joint ventures, major commercial deals
Criminal Defence (Magistrate) โ‚ฆ200,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ1,000,000 Depends on charge severity
Criminal Defence (High Court) โ‚ฆ500,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ10,000,000 Capital offences at higher end
SAN (Senior Advocate) Hourly Rate โ‚ฆ150,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ500,000+ Per hour โ€” varies greatly
Notarisation / Authentication โ‚ฆ5,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ30,000 Per document
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Court Filing Fees (Lagos)
Approximate court fees โ€” vary by state and claim amount
CourtFiling FeeType
Magistrate Court โ‚ฆ5,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ20,000 Civil
High Court (below โ‚ฆ5M claim) โ‚ฆ30,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ75,000 Civil
High Court (โ‚ฆ5Mโ€“โ‚ฆ50M claim) โ‚ฆ75,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ250,000 Civil
Court of Appeal โ‚ฆ50,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ150,000 Appeal
Supreme Court โ‚ฆ100,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ300,000 Appeal
National Industrial Court โ‚ฆ20,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ100,000 Labour
Federal High Court โ‚ฆ30,000 โ€“ โ‚ฆ200,000 Federal
๐Ÿ’ก
How to Reduce Legal Costs in Nigeria
Smart tips for managing your legal budget
  • ๐Ÿค
    Negotiate fees upfront. Most Nigerian lawyers are open to negotiation, especially for clear-cut matters. Always agree on fees in writing before engaging.
  • ๐Ÿ“‹
    Get a fee agreement. Request a formal engagement letter with fees, scope of work and payment schedule. This protects both parties.
  • โšก
    Choose the right court. Magistrate Court is significantly cheaper than High Court. Use the lowest appropriate court for your matter.
  • ๐Ÿคฒ
    Consider legal aid. The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) provides free legal services for those who cannot afford lawyers. Call 0800-LEGAL-AID.
  • ๐Ÿ“‘
    Prepare your documents. Well-organised documents reduce the time your lawyer spends on your case, which reduces hourly billing.
  • ๐Ÿซ
    Law school clinics. Nigerian law faculties offer free or low-cost legal services through student legal aid clinics under supervision of experienced lecturers.
  • ๐Ÿงพ
    Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mediation and arbitration are faster and cheaper than court litigation. Many commercial disputes can be resolved this way.